Sew around the top of the bag with 1/2 inch seam allowance. As you sew over the straps, backstitch over them and then sew forward again to give them extra strength.

Now comes the fun part. Find the opening on the side of the lining and gently pull the bag through the opening.

Push the lining into the bag and then press the top edge so that it is smooth and flat.

Now it is time to close up the lining seam. Pull enough of the lining out of the bag that you can access the seam that is still open. Fold the seam back with wrong sides together and stitch close to the edge, making sure to catch both sides in the seam.

Stitch around the top of the bag 1/4 inch away from the edge as shown in the photo.

Finish the bag by sewing on your button in the desired location. The position of the button may vary depending on how much you plan to carry in the bag and the size of the button. If you want the bag to close tightly, place the button further down the side of the bag. To test the location first, use a large safety pin as a test "button" and move it around until you find the best position for it. Sew the button on with thread that matches the lining of the bag.

I hope that you have enjoyed this beginner project as part of the "How to Sew" lesson series. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter or my twitter feed so that you will be notified of the latest updates to the site.

Looking for more beginner sewing projects? These books are full of easy, quick projects for the beginning sewer!